it's drawn critical acclaim and record audiences in britain and for pbs's "masterpiece" series here in the u.s., due in large part to maggie smith's portrayal of violet, the imperious, sharp- tongued dowager countess of grantham. >> mama, may i present matthew crawley and mrs. crawley. my mother, lady grantham. >> what should we call each other? >> smith: well, we could always start with mrs. crawley and lady grantham. >> kroft: her role as a privileged matriarch coping with the intrusions of the modern world has become one of the most memorable in a storied career, and has already won her two emmy awards. >> smith: i'm so looking forward to seeing your mother again. when i'm with her, i'm reminded of the virtues of the english. >> but isn't she american? >> smith: exactly. >> kroft: did you have any idea that "downton abbey" was going to be this successful? >> smith: no, i didn't. no, a whole very startled group of people, you know. i mean, very pleased, but very amazed. >> kroft: you're proud of it? >> smith: yes. well, yes, of course i am. i was just... just thinking, pausing becaus